I love hardware of all sorts. When I decided to do a DIY (hardware) Christmas tree, I spent a couple of hours at my local True Value—Keith’s Hardware—on two different occasions. I walked up and down every aisle looking at all the items with fresh eyes, taking pictures on the first trip. When I went back to purchase the items, I spent another 2 hours perusing the aisles looking at everything in the store. My local True Value has stuff you just can’t find at the big box stores.
I took so many pictures, that I decided to put them together in a few collages—if I hadn’t this post would go on forever. The angel was the most difficult to “find”. I knew on the first trip to True Value that I would use strap hinges, but it wasn’t until the second trip that I found the body for my angel using a spring clip. The bell was the same. I had originally chosen a galvanized pipe for the bell, but on the second trip I decided to go with this escutcheon instead. I love how they both turned out. The snowman was fun to put together with assorted sized nuts. I used Gorilla Glue Epoxy for the snowman and the angel.
Can you find all the items from the top picture on the tree? I ended up not using the paint brushes because they were a little large. I even bought the little pre-lit Christmas tree at my True Value store. When I took the supply picture I forgot to include the red & white wire that I used for my candy canes. I smiled big when I spied that wire at the store because I instantly knew it would make perfect candy canes!
Aren’t the bells great? They actually clang when you move them. Top right is a mirror clip—these type of things are what you can get at your local True Value, in one of those pull out boxes with all the dividers. LOVE those boxes—so fun to look in them to see what I can find. I knew right away that the outdoor faucet handles would give me some color. While on my first visit, Fay, one of the clerks mentioned they have a lot of keys, so I thought it would add some extra bling to hang those as well. Ohh, and the small lock washers… do you see them? They are extra sparkly when the light hits them. They are my “snowflakes”. Do you see the “wreath” in the bottom right picture? Yeah, it’s a hose clamp!
I had so much fun shopping for items and putting this little tree together. Is there anything I missed? What would you have added?
gail
phyllis panza
Gail, how ingenious w/the hardware tree; I love the wainscoting and wood work above. the new bench; I forgot all about this style. I threw the toe board out as it was rounded like the headboard and didn't quite meet right when cut in half. saved headboard. now I can make one like yours w/out sides. thanks for reminding me. too bad I threw away the toe board. not doing any wood now I don't think. trying to get motivated to do the tree and decorating. got my silhouette portrait. will plug it in tomorrow; don't know if I will understand it but will give a try. prob. have for over a wk. take care my friend. wishing u the best
Lisa Bell
You did a great job!
Stephanie@cre8tive
Oh I love the angel! You were so creative with all those bits and pieces. Very proud of you.
JJ Crouch
Such a cute Ideal. Bless us everyone this Christmas season.
ronda
What are the parts to make blue snow flake?
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Ronda,
The snowflakes are blue due to the led lights on the tree. They are vintage mirror clips, meaning it's the way mirrors were held on to walls back in the day. 🙂
gail
Sylvia
Well, isn't this tree too cute by half? Adorable. Very creative, as usual. Merry Christmas to my favorite blogger.
Nadine
So damn creative! love all the ornaments you created, especially the 'snowflakes'.
Donna in SC
What an adorable take for a man cave tree. (That's not to say a lot of us gals love a hardware store too...hahaha) Here's wishing you and yours the most Wonderful Christmas and A Blessed New Year.
girlfromwva
I love all your "ornaments" on the tree!!! Did you see these?:
http://www.marthastewart.com/268987/hardware-cloth-snowflake-ornament
Laurel Stephens
Your tree wins the prize for the most imaginative tree ever! It's adorable! I especially love the angel and snowman, and I'm going to try and copy them for gifts next year. I also love the red faucet handles that look like snowflakes. I'm a big fan of browsing around True Values. They remind me of old homey farm stores. Cutest tree ever, Gail!
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
I find it fascinating to go into any hardware store and just look and see what's there. There are fasteners, knobs, etc. that I had no idea existed! I would not think of making ornaments out of them for a tree, but you did a great job. Would be nice for a hardware store to have in it's entryway.
debbiedoos
ahhh too cute Gail! Merry Christmas dear lady, enjoy! XO
Pam
LOL.....only you would make a hardware tree......too funny! Love it.
Nancy
Just too cute! I love this kind of thing.
Off topic, I have a question about the Kreg System. Do you have to use only their screws etc when using it? Thanks.
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Nancy,
Thanks for your comment on the DIY hardware tree. 😉 It was a fun project.
I don't think you have to use Kreg screws, but you do need to use pocket hole screws. 🙂 they are self tapping and have a different head.
gail
Lynne E.
Adorable Gail!!
cassie
so fun! i love this idea!
Holly
Adorable! I love the angel!
Inspire Me Heather
Your hardware tree looks great, I liked the little "nuts" snowman!